Horse riding in the summer heat

The shade is the whole reason this works

A pine canopy is not a small mercy in this climate. The first stretch of the route is under trees on soft ground, which is a noticeably different experience from standing on an open beach at the same hour.

The shoreline stretch is exposed, but it is also where any breeze off the sea is. Between the two, the hour is a good deal more comfortable than the temperature on your phone suggests.

What to do about the heat

• Drink water before the pickup, not only when you get back. Dehydration starts in the vehicle.
• Bring water with you — it is not included in the fare.
• Long trousers still. Shorts in the heat feel right and then are not. Light, loose fabric is the answer, not less fabric.
• A long-sleeved light shirt keeps more sun off you than sun cream reliably does.
• Sun cream on everything the sleeves miss, and again on your neck under the helmet strap.
• Skip the big brimmed hat. It does not fit under a helmet.

What the heat means for the horses

More than it means for you, and it is the riding centre's problem to manage rather than yours. It is also one of the reasons the standard ride is an hour at a walk rather than a long trek — that workload is one the animals carry well in this climate.

If the centre changes a route, shortens a stretch or moves a departure on a very hot day, that is the system working, not failing.

How the horses are cared for

Which months are easiest

Spring and autumn are the pleasant ones on this coast, and if your dates are flexible they are the better bet for any outdoor hour. May, June, September and October are all comfortable in a way that mid-August is not.

That said, the rides run through the summer and plenty of people ride in August perfectly happily. Drink more than you think you need.